File #: Res 0161-2004    Version: * Name: Denouncing NBC for airing an episode of Law & Order depicting Council Member James E. Davis.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 2/26/2004
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution denouncing NBC for airing an episode of Law & Order that callously depicted the tragic death of our friend and colleague, Council Member James E. Davis and calling on NBC to issue a public apology to the family and New York City community that so recently struggled with the pain and trauma of such a loss.
Sponsors: Hiram Monserrate, Charles Barron, Yvette D. Clarke, Allan W. Jennings, Jr., Miguel Martinez, Michael C. Nelson, David I. Weprin
Council Member Sponsors: 7

Res. No. 161

 

Resolution denouncing NBC for airing an episode of Law & Order that callously depicted the tragic death of our friend and colleague, Council Member James E. Davis and calling on NBC to issue a public apology to the family and New York City community that so recently struggled with the pain and trauma of such a loss.

 

By Council Members Monserrate, Barron, Clarke, Jennings, Martinez, Nelson and Weprin

 

                     Whereas, On July 23, 2003, during a Stated Council meeting at New York’s City Hall, our friend and colleague, Council Member James E. Davis, was tragically murdered by a political opponent who suddenly and inexplicably opened fire on Council Member Davis; and

Whereas, For the family and friends of Council Member Davis and all those present on that tragic day, the fear and horror of those harrowing moments seven months ago still continues to resonate; and

Whereas, The days and weeks that followed Council Member Davis’ tragic death were replete with shock and grief for many; yet, while the wounds from this tragedy still continue to heal, in early February, less than seven months after the tragedy, the NBC network aired an episode of its television drama “Law & Order” in which a New York City Council Member is shot and killed in City Hall; and

                     Whereas, In response to the airing, Thelma Davis, the mother of Council Member Davis, lamented the insensitivity and poor taste of the network for using her son’s murder as fodder for the popular crime drama; and 

                     Whereas, NBC’s callous disregard for the still raw emotions was remarked upon by Council Member Davis’ colleagues, many of whom were present on that tragic day; and

Whereas, While the shocking and traumatic events that transpired in Council Chambers on that summer afternoon will remain etched on the minds and hearts of those who knew Council Member Davis, NBC’s airing of “Law & Order” depicting the death of a Council Member at City Hall served to reopen those painful wounds in the most callous and self-serving manner; and

                      Whereas, For Council Member Davis’ colleagues, family and friends, however, NBC’s insensitive and tasteless airing of the show’s depiction of a New York City Council Member’s sudden and tragic murder will never diminish their memories of a caring, courageous and respected colleague and leader who crusaded vigorously and passionately for peace and nonviolence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York denounces NBC for airing an episode of “Law & Order” that callously depicted the tragic death of our friend and colleague, Council Member James E. Davis and calling on NBC to issue a public apology to the family and New York City community that so recently struggled with the pain and trauma of such a loss. 

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